Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment of Laryngeal Granulomas

Abstract

Laryngeal granulomas are effectively treated with antireflux therapy and speech therapy. Failure to respond leads to treatment with Botox or surgical excision. We report on the use of the pulsed dye laser for treating chronic granulomas that do not respond to standard therapy. We performed a retrospective review from September 2002 to September 2003. Patients identified with chronic granulomas that were not responding to standard therapy were treated in our office with the pulsed dye laser. Ten patients were identified; the mean age was 58 years. Two patients underwent more than one pulsed dye laser treatment. Five of the 10 had resolution of their lesions, and 3 had a partial response. Two were unchanged. The average follow-up was 6 months, and there were no complications. We conclude that in-office use of the pulsed dye laser is a relatively safe and effective method for treating laryngeal granulomas that do not respond to antireflux therapy and speech therapy.